by Jessica Van Roekel
We’ve all heard the term “core values” often but, what does it truly mean? Core values are what drives your business towards your mission and goals. They help support business decisions and how you want your business to operate. Core values also create the foundation for your work culture and your brand for your customers. Establishing core values for your business is a worthwhile investment of time and effort.
What are your core values as a company?
There are many things to consider when you are deciding on your core values as a company. The first thing to decide on is what are the core concepts of your company that give it value and make it successful. Some examples could be:
Transparency - your company values being open, honest, and transparent with your team and your clients
Respect - your company values respect amongst your team and your clients
Excellence - your company values excellence and innovation for your team and your clients
Stating the core concepts of what gives your company value and makes it successful like the examples above will help guide you towards establishing your core values.
Once you establish these core concepts, put it in writing.
Here is an example:
Transparency: We believe in the importance of transparency, honesty, and integrity within our company and with our clients - this is our north star when it comes to communication and business relationships.
Respect: We believe that every person within our company and with whom we work deserves respect, consideration, and care - we put this first and foremost when working with each other.
Excellence: We strive for innovation and excellence in all that we do - we are open to new ideas, teamwork, and professional growth - we do better when we center on innovation and forward thinking.
What’s next?
The next step is to share your core values with your employees and clients. This can be done through training, presentations with your clients, and on your website. Having established core values will set the tone for your team and the clients that you work for.
As a company and team you must live your values and incorporate it into everything that you do. Every decision that is made must align with your core values - if transparency is a core value then you must be transparent with business decisions both with your team and your clients. If your core value is respect, you must create an atmosphere of respect with your team and your clients. If excellence is your core value, you must always strive towards that goal and implement business practices that will ensure excellence for your team and clients.
Core values are one of the most important things you can do for your company and is something that you have to dedicate time to creating. If you aren’t sure what your core values are, lean into your team and see what they feel - make it a collaborative effort. Most importantly, you must put your core values into practice to be successful - this crucial step will keep your company driving towards your mission and goals.